MULTIPLE USES OF SMALL-SCALE VALLEY BOTTOM LAND:CASE STUDY OF THE MATENGO IN SOUTHERN TANZANIA

Abstract

Many recent studies have examined wetlands as a food supply resource in sub-Saharan Africa. Although a number of studies have investigated the use of large-scale wetlands such as swamps and floodplains, little is known about the use of small-scale valley bottom lands. The Matengo, who are Bantu speakers living in mountainous southern Tanzania, have developed intensive use of ntambo, the principal unit of land tenure and use. Ntambo land use is based on an indigenous farming system called ngolo as well as coffee cultivation. At the same time, small valley bottom lands (kijungu) have also been used. In recent years, people have begun to pay greater attention to diversifying kijungu land use against the backdrop of economic liberalisation, climate change, and population pressure.Cultivating the kijungu provides the Matengo not only with food during times of scarcity but also with petty cash called `hela ya haraka' for daily use throughout the year. As their use is diversified and expanded, kijungu may be vital for sustaining the Matengo's livelihood and will become increasingly important in enforcing relationships between other subsistence activities.